March 3, 2022 – Amendment to School Reopening Plans
Dear Chenango Valley Community,
I wanted to update you on COVID-19 procedures based on the information we have received this week from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), New York State Governor, New York State Department of Health, and the Broome County Health Department and County Executive. Recent documents can be found on the
Local, State, and Federal Information webpage of our district website. Important updates:
- Effective Wednesday, March 2, 2022, mask wearing in school buildings and buses is a person’s choice with the exception that anyone who has tested positive must continue to wear a mask during days 6 –10 upon their return to school or work. This requirement is per the New York State Department of Health. The other option would be to isolate for the entire 10 days in order to return without a mask requirement.
- Per the New York State Department of Health - Masking, regardless of vaccination status, is strongly recommended for 10 days after a known exposure. Testing at least five (5) days after exposure, or at least twice within five (5) days for an individual who is not fully vaccinated and attending or working at school, is recommended as well.
- As a reminder - Staying home if students, faculty, or staff have COVID symptoms, and taking a COVID test to determine if one is positive (or not), remains an important mitigation strategy.
- Testing for COVID when and if symptoms exist remains a critical mitigation strategy that can limit the number of exposures in schools. The district will continue to provide and offer free at-home testing kits for students, faculty, and staff as requested. These are available at our building security vestibules.
- Lastly, we ask all individuals to remain respectful of a person’s choice, whether they choose to continue wearing a mask or not. Being tolerant, empathetic, and respectful are qualities we want all students, faculty, and staff to display. We will remain vigilant regarding potential shaming or bullying taking place in our schools or buses because of this change.
Sincerely,
Dr. David P. Gill
Superintendent of Schools